10/20/08 -
I'm proud to introduce my latest collaboration
with EMDOM USA, the TNT
(Tactical/Non-Tactical) Bag. The TNT project started back in mid
2007, when I expressed my desire to Ken at EMDOM to design a bag that
is practical enough for EDC (Every Day Carry) use, doesn't look overtly
'tactical', but still has some gun-friendly/tactical features concealed
internally. I have seen most of the 'messenger/Spartan/tactical man-purse,
patrol, tactical briefcase, bail-out bags' out there; and there are
some very good designs to fit a variety of needs. But, none of them
were matched exactly what I had in mind, so I set about thinking and
sketching up a design. Over the next few months, Ken and I exchanged
numerous drawings, diagrams, emails and phone calls, and went through
three prototypes to arrive at the production version. As usual, I
was very impressed with the way EMDOM's prototype/pattern maker was
able to translate drawings into a finished product and figure out
how to fabricate the more challenging features in the most elegant
way possible.

Design philosophy
- I envisioned a shoulder-carry bag. A shoulder carried bag is easy
to access and stable enough if a waist strap is provided. I didn't
want a messenger bag style flap. Flaps get in the way if you're trying
to access the contents of the bag. I wanted everything to be relatively
easy to access when the bag is being worn (that's the whole point,
I think). The bag also had to be stiff enough to have some shape when
loaded up, and not act like a floppy duffle bag. Just like a backpack,
the heavier the load, the more support is needed. This bag would need
a stiffening sheet and be padded vs. an unpadded fabric-only soft
bag. Padding would also provide protection for the contents and make
it more comfortable when wearing the bag against the body when it's
banging around.

I decided against MOLLE/PALS, inside or outside. I wanted
the bag to look relatively non-descript, and not stand out in a crowd
as something unusual that might attract attention. MOLLE webbing on
the outside shouts 'tactical', and while I like modularity, and the
ability to customize the inside of the bag with MOLLE-compatible pouches,
I feel that most MOLLE pouches and the attachment method takes up
too much space and is too bulky for inside use, especially for a bag
of this size. 1000D pouches are overkill for internal organization.
That's additional weight to carry. Most pouches are not designed to
be used internally and can be difficult to access unless the bag opens
out flat. One of the issues with bags that open out flat is that the
zippers can open up too much if you're opening the bag while wearing
it and the weight of the contents can end up opening the bag all the
way. With the TNT, the main compartment zippers only opens until about
a third of the way down the side of the bag and won't open up accidentally.
You can run the TNT with the main compartment zippers completely open
without fear of the bag opening like a book.

The gear needs to be organized inside a bag,
not necessarily retained with a velcro flap and SR buckle.
I decided to try and design a universal and effective layout of internal
and external organization that should fit many needs, so the bag is
good to go and is ready to load up from the start, without having
to buy an additional $80 worth of pouches to organize your gear. I
also wanted to avoid too many individual small pockets on the outside
that looked busy. It was also important that all the features or compartments
were easy and convenient to access, whether the bag was being worn
or not.

I'm fortunate to have a wide array of bags to examine,
which helped me determine what size would be most practical. It couldn't
be too small, so it could carry a binder or two, papers/magazines
or some medium sized laptops (up to a 15.4" screen), but not
too large since it's an over-the-shoulder bag. Even a relatively small
bag can be quite heavy when loaded up with a pistol and ammo, plus
rifle magazines. The first prototype was actually too small, and we
increased the size by an inch in all dimensions which provided more
usable space inside the main compartment. What we ended up with is
a medium-sized shoulder bag, sort of in-between a messenger bag and
tactical briefcase, which I think is just about the right size to
be very practical for regular, every day use. It's not overtly 'tactical',
yet it has features incorporated into the design which also make it
a bag for fighting out of - suitable for concealed weapons carry and
rifle magazines, which is where I came up with the 'TNT (Tactical/Non-Tactical)'
name - it serves both functions.

Coyote TNT Prototype

MultiCam TNT production version

SDU Grey production version

Note that the Coyote TNT shown
in the photos is the second prototype, and has small differences from
the final production versions, shown here in Crye MultiCam and SDU
Grey . The only differences between the production versions
and the Coyote prototype shown here are:

Shoulder strap attach points have been reinforced and extend down
further

Front pockets are 1" taller on the production version than
the Coyote prototype

SDU Grey version has an added snap on the rear "newspaper compartment"
opening

Internal slot pockets have elastic retention

Internal pockets will have contrasting 420D nylon.

Everything else is the same - the SDU Grey represents the final production
TNT bag. The Coyote prototype is shown here for illustrative purposes
only.

TNT Bag specs and features
(detailed descriptions are below):

1000D Cordura construction, YKK zippers and mil-spec velcro. Total
volume approx 1600 c.i. (main compartment and external pockets). The
TNT is the first EMDOM item to be offered in SDU Grey. EMDOM's manufacturing
partner in Hong Kong makes nylon gear for Hong Kong's Special Duties
Unit (SDU) in a special grey nylon, so since they had it in stock,
I figured it'd be a great non-descript colour for the TNT. It's a
medium grey and matches foliage green hardware and webbing very well.
The TNT is also available in EMDOM's standard colours: Crye MultiCam,
Sewer Green (OD), Coyoteish (Coyote), and Black. Some people have
asked "will you make it other colours like Navy Blue or ACU?".
Not at this time, as EMDOM does not carry those fabrics.

All internal edges are finished and seam taped. You will not see
any exposed edges of material that will fray. The quality and attention
to detail that EMDOM puts into their products will match or exceed
any other top of the line tactical gear manufacturer, which is why
I chose to work with them. Compare them inside and out, and judge
for yourself.

ITW Ghillietex metal and plastic IR hardware

Main compartment estimated volume 1000 cu.in. (stuffs out when loaded),
protected or padded on the bottom and four sides

Overall Features and Dimensions
- Externally, the TNT bag body measures approximately 15" long
x 12" tall x 5.5" deep (not including external pockets). Subtract
about a half inch from those dimensions for the main compartment internal
dimensions to allow for padding. It has one main compartment, padded
on both sides and the bottom with internal organization, two front pockets,
a front pistol compartment, rear newspaper/magazine compartment, a top
frequent access compartment, and two side stash pockets. 4" x 3"
loop velcro fields are provided on the front two pockets for ID, patches
etc. The design, sizing and dimensions for the pockets and internal
organization were based on multiples of the M4/AR-15 30-round magazine,
as you'll see below.

The TNT is constructed completely of 1000D cordura with 420D used for
internal organization. ITW ghillietex metal and plastic hardware is
used throughout, as well as YKK zippers and mil-spec velcro (the good
stuff). EMDOM customers should already be familiar with EMDOM's bomb-proof
construction, quality of workmanship, and attention to detail.

Shoulder strap -The TNT comes with a padded, Drilex
lined shoulder strap with one HK snap hook. The TNT shoulder strap is
designed to remain attached to the bag, and stowed in the newspaper
compartment when not in use. The HK snap hook allows the front of the
strap to be released relatively quickly, but not so easily that someone
else can do it. We chose not to make an SR buckle on the shoulder strap
a standard feature for EDC in public because an SR buckle on the main
strap can make it very easy for someone else to release the bag and
run off with it. For users in the military, where this might be less
of an issue, or if someone wants a emergency release feature on the
shoulder strap, a split-bar/field repair ITW SR buckle (not included)
can be installed on the D-ring loop as shown below. It's a tight fit,
but it works.

The 18"-long padded portion is 2" wide and the straps are
1" webbing with dual ITW ghillietex metal bar sliders. It's more
comfortable than webbing-only straps, and with the fixed pad, there's
no separate pad to slip and slide on the strap. It's also more low profile
than most padded shoulder straps. I found that there was no reason to
have 2" wide webbing for the entire strap - the 1" webbing
gets in the way less and with over 1500 lbs of breaking strength, it's
more than strong enough. We experimented with different padding options
for the padded portion, and found that adding more padding didn't make
it more comfortable. If you chose to, you can add any removable shoulder
pad designed for 2" wide straps from other manufacturers. However,
try it and you'll see that it might not be more comfortable. More padding
also meant more bulk when you stow or fold the shoulder strap away inside
the TNT.

Normally, there is no need to attach and detach the shoulder strap
as it is stowable without removing it. There are four metal D-ring attach
points, giving the user a choice - two on the rear and two on the front.
Attaching the shoulder strap to the rear D-rings allows the bag to sit
against the body better than if they were attached to the sides/middle
of the bag. This allows complete access to the main compartment without
the compartment being pressed against the body and compressed.

The rear panel of the TNT is padded and quilted, for comfort and to
provide some 'purchase' when wearing it snug with a waist belt. The
carry handles are 1.5" webbing, and are short for the lowest profile
possible. There is a padded velcro handle wrap for connecting the carry
handles together if desired.

A removable waist strap is also included. This is 1" webbing with
a SR buckle, and attaches to the TNT body with metal bar sliders that
route through 1" tab loops on the body. The waist strap stows when
not in use, and need not be removed under normal use.

USGI canteen in side pocket

Bottom view

Top view with canteen and Nalgene bottle

Side Stash Pockets -
There are two Side Stash Pockets, one on each side of the TNT body.
They are 9" tall and are of a unique pleated design which allow
them to lay somewhat flattened when not in use for a lower profile,
yet expand away from the bag body when needed. When expanded, they add
about 3" to each side of the bag. The Side Stash Pockets are designed
for multiple uses, like quick stowing of items - almost like a mini
dump pouch. They have an elastic shock cord closure with a sewn-in ITW
cord lock for one-handed tightening.

I wanted them to be large enough to be useful, and not intrude on
the internal capacity of the main compartment, which is where the pleat
comes into play. They're sized to hold a Nalgene bottle securely. If
you look at the side profile, you'll notice that the outer edge of the
pocket angles up, and is taller than where it attaches to the bag body.
This is so that it wraps over the shoulder of the bottle, preventing
it from slipping or popping out. It will also fit USGI 1-qt canteens,
four 30-round M4 mags, or three .308 FAL/M1A mags. I've illustrated
it below with four Magpul PMags with Ranger pulls. The shock cord loop
can also be put over the neck of a bottle for extra retention, although
when cinched up, the contents are very secure.

Inside the Side Stash Pockets are two additional tab loops, for dummy
cords or adding another loop of shock cord for retention of radios (stick
it over the antenna).

Side Stash pocket and internal tab loops

Nalgene bottle

Angled top

Shock cord used for retention

Four PMags

Top Frequent Access
Compartment (FAC) - Whatever bag I carry, I always find
myself wishing there was a small compartment for keys or frequently
accessed items that was easy to get to, not buried inside the main compartment.
The solution? The top Frequent Access Compartment (FAC). The FAC is
sewn to the top panel of the TNT bag, and is a long, flat zippered pocket
with two internal dividers, creating three compartments. Each compartment
is 4" long and 3" deep, and can hold items like keys, a small
folding knife or multitool, pack of gum, etc. The FAC is sized as large
as allowed by the dimensions of the bag. Making it larger would require
an increase in size of the bag.

I've illustrated the FAC with a Leatherman Wave,
a Petzl E-Lite, and my cell phone in the separate compartments. Great
for storing business cards as well. That's where I put my keys so I
can get to them conveniently. The zipper is concealed with a rain flap
and only the cord zipper pull shows. Note that the compartments are
not completely separated from each other - there's about an inch where
the partitions stop short of the zipper. So, small loose items things
like coins or single keys might migrate from one compartment to the
other.

Top FAC

With items inside

Pistol Compartment
- One of the common features of many Tactical bags is a pistol compartment.
The TNT is no different. The pistol compartment of the TNT is at the
front of the bag, kept closed by velcro, and accessed by ripping open
the pull tab. There is no velcro at the tab, so you can get your thumb
behind it to aid in pulling it apart. It's not difficult to open, but
secure when closed as 1.5" velcro instead of 1" is used. It
will accommodate most full-sized handguns. I experimented with the pistol
compartment at the rear of the bag, but access wasn't as quick or as
easy, with the full weight of the bag pressing up against your body
and the compartment. A front compartment is easier to access.

It's not a completely concealed 'secret' compartment,
but it's not too obvious either. The inside back panel face is lined
completely with loop velcro, for the attachment of any velcro accessories
(other brands/maker's stuff will work, too). The TNT is supplied with
a pistol holder and an elastic mag/accessory holder. The pistol holder
is completely adjustable, and designed such that one of the velcro bases
can fold under the pistol, so that the pistol can be located closer
to one end of the compartment or the other.

The mag holder has four elastic loops, which
is the maximum there's space for in the compartment. It'll hold 1911
single stack or most other double stack pistol magazines. Magazines
with long floor plates should be loaded so that they overlap for easier
retrieval. You can also put flashlights in the loops, but there's no
real point to concealing a flashlight. The mag holder can also be placed
overlapping one of the pistol holder bases to save space.
To support the weight of a handgun and mags, the back panel is stiffened
with a sheet of HDPE. This ensures that the panel will not sag under
the weight, and also serves to provide support and shape for the entire
bag. The HDPE stiffener also supports the mesh pockets in the main compartment.

Velcro-lined pistol compartment

With holders inside

Colt govt 1911 and 4 mags

Pistol holder and mag holder

Pistol holder

Mag holder

Mag holder overlapping pistol holder

Rear Newspaper
compartment - The rear newspaper compartment panel is
lightly padded, both for comfort and for shape. It's meant for paper
magazines, a folded newspaper, notebook etc - any large, flat item essentially.
It's kept closed by a velcro patch in the middle for quick closing and
a snap for added security if desired.

It's also designed to stow the waist strap and
shoulder straps, and the carry handle, depending on which ones are not
in use. If you look at the photos below, you'll see how the waist and
shoulder strap attach points are located to facilitate their stowage
in the newspaper compartment without having to detach them.
If the bag is being worn over the shoulder, and you want the carry handles
out of the way, you can stow the rear handle in the newspaper compartment
and the front handle in the pistol compartment, for a 'slick' top.

Rear newspaper compartment

Waist and shoulder straps stowed

Handles in use

Handles stowed - slick top

Main Compartment
- The main compartment two-way zipper opens down to the top of the Side
Stash Pockets and are protected by a rain flap. The main compartment
opening is more towards the front of the bag instead of in the middle.
During experimentation, we found that when the opening was too close
to the body, it was more difficult to access the contents. The offset
zipper also makes room for the top Frequent Access Compartment. The
main compartment is protected by closed cell foam on the bottom and
sides, slightly thinner padding on the rear panel, and the HDPE sheet
in the front panel. The main compartment will fit most laptops up to
15.4" screens.

Slot Pockets
- Sewn to the inside rear panel are four bellows slot pockets made out
of 420D cordura with elastic retention. These slot pockets fold flat
out of the way when empty. Each slot pocket is 6" tall and is sized
to fit two M4 30-round magazines or one .308 magazine. Whatever fits
in a double M4 pouch will fit in these pockets. They can be also used
for radios, PDAs, etc. The elastic on the outside of the slot pockets
can be used to retain flashlights etc. The advantage that these have
over magazine pouches attached to internal molle inside a bag is that
besides being lighter and less bulky, there isn't any flap to contend
with. You can have the zipper partially open, reach inside, and pull
mags out with ease, just by feel.

Mesh Pockets
- On the inside of the front panel are three mesh pockets. The one on
the left is a full 12" tall, and the ones on the right are 6"
in height each. All are 7" wide. The mesh is sewn baggy so that
the pockets are not flat, but have volume to hold more items. Each has
a zipper opening with short pull. When empty, the mesh pockets lay flat
and don't take up any internal volume.

Of course, adding items in the slot and mesh
pockets takes up internal volume, but with the slot pockets flat, I'm
able to put a couple of three-ring binders inside, with some room to
spare.

Internal slot pockets with elastic retention

1 or 2 M4 mags per pocket

3 mesh pockets

two 3-ring binders in main compartment

Front Organizer
Pockets - One feature I look for in an every day use
bag is good organization for smaller items in the pockets. I dislike
having a couple of large pockets with everything in a mess at the bottom.

There are two pockets on the front of the TNT
bag, each with slightly different organization inside. Each pocket is
10" tall, 7" wide, and 2" deep. Both have two-way zippers
which open 3/4 of the way down. This allows the pockets to open outwards
almost completely but not all the way and have items fall out. The internal
organizers are made of 420D nylon. Inside the front of each pocket are
two staggered slot pockets. The taller one will fit a couple of DVD
cases and the shorter one will fit CD cases. The tall slot pocket also
fits two M4 30 round mags side by side and the short one fits two .308
magazines (since they're shorter). As mentioned before, the sizing of
the main pockets on the TNT bag are sized to fit multiples of M4 mags.
Eight in the main compartment slot pockets, four in the front pockets,
and four in each Side Stash Pocket. So, you can carry at least twenty
30-round mags in just the pockets alone, with room left over in the
main compartment.

Looking at the front of the bag, the pocket on
the left has a main slot pocket for PDA, notebooks etc, and sewn to
its front is a slot for business cards, and three oversize pen loop.
I was tired of puny pen loops that were too tight, so asked for larger
ones that would accommodate Sharpies, markers etc.

Inside the right front pocket are two staggered slot pockets with elastic
strap retention. The slots in the back are flat, and suitable for additional
business cards. The pockets in front are pleated, and will expand to
hold most cell phones for 'non-tactical' use. For 'tactical' use, they'll
also fit distraction devices - I've shown them below with two dummy
Def-tec #25s.

Hidden Passport Pockets
- Underneath each of the two front pockets is a secret/concealed 'passport
pocket'. They're basically for putting flat items like documents or
maps that you don't want found if the bag is subjected to a cursory
visual search. I say 'cursory' to be on the conservative side, but no
one I have let examine the TNT bag in detail has ever noticed those
compartments. But then, they weren't looking for something hidden. The
openings to both pockets are velcro closed, and in between the front
pockets. Under normal circumstances, the entrance is not visible.

Front pocket organizers

Loaded up

Distraction devices

Two PMags in front slot

Concealed passport pocket

Using the TNT

Through my collaborations with EMDOM, we refined
the design of the TNT based on my daily use of the prototypes since
late 2007, and I think we've come up with a very practical size and
design that's quite universal. Tactical and non-tactical users alike
will find good use for the features and organization. The
TNT is designed around function first, looks second; and is intentionally
non-descript.

Every Day Carry (EDC) - I've
been using it for EDC on my shoulder while riding my motorcycle and
the waist belt keeps it in place and behind me, when adjusted correctly.
Since I'm left handed, I prefer to wear the TNT on my left side/hip
so everything is easily accessible with the strong hand. In Coyote and
SDU Grey, the TNT doesn't stand out as too 'tactical', and no one has
really given it a second glance that I know of in public. Crye MultiCam
(or any camo) probably stands out a bit around town, but the TNT sure
does look damn good in MultiCam.

Fighting Bag - Depending on what you consider a 'fighting
bag', the TNT might be on the large side if you're only intending on
carrying a few mags, pistol, etc. It's not designed primarily as a small
dynamic movement fighting bag - there are lots of smaller bags on the
market that will suit that purpose. The TNT is designed as a more all-round
bag that can be used to fight out of, if needed, that carries more than
just mags. Fighting and combat is something I know nothing about as
I'm just a civvie, but I did my best to design features into the TNT
that could be used by people who go in harms way. Here are my thoughts
anyway. If you're going to 'fight out of the bag', and use it primarily
for reloads, the TNT might be better worn on the 'weak' side. There's
not much you can do about having the pistol and spare mags on the same
side, but the way I look at it, you're going to access the pistol once,
and the mags four more times. You can always draw with your weak hand.
I tried the TNT on the weak side, and with the main compartment zipper
open, you have 8 rifle mags right there, which are quickly retrieved
for a reload. If mags need to be retained, the main compartment can
be used as a big dump pouch.
The waist strap is really essential if you're going to be running around
with the TNT. No, it's not going to make the TNT rock solid on your
hip when it's loaded up, but it really does help keep it where you want
it. Shortening the shoulder strap to wear it a bit higher also reduces
movement of the bag on the jog.
Obviously, a shoulder bag will not be as balanced and stable as a pack
worn on your back during movement. But try reloading from a pack on
your back.

Small Range Bag - Though I didn't design the TNT for
use as a range bag, I found that it actually works pretty well as a
small/compact bag to support one or two handguns, or one handgun and
a rifle. The handgun can be transported along with its mags in the pistol
compartment, and you can carry a bunch of M4 mags inside and outside
the TNT. With a water bottle in one of the Side Stash pockets, and 12
mags in the slot pockets and other Side Stash pocket, additional ammo
fits in the main compartment along with my EMDOM Kitmat, spare parts
and tools. It makes a great 're-supply' bag for a tactical class, with
mags, ammo, food and water near the firing line instead of going back
to your larger gear bag that you brought everything else in.

With waist belt

Accessing contents

Worn on 'weak side' for reloads

Accessing mags from inside TNT

The TNT is a complex and labour-intensive bag
to make with all the internal organization built in (it takes a full
8 hours to produce one TNT). If you add up the cost of buying the equivalent
molle pouches plus the added weight and bulk, you'll see that the TNT
offers the least costly and streamlined way to carry and organize all
that stuff. It's not a cheap bag, but it isn't overpriced. People will
shell out the same amount of money for a rail system for their rifle
and even more for a decent optic without hesitation, but go cheap on
a nylon bag they'll use every single day.

It's completely biased of me to say "the
TNT works perfectly for my needs" because I designed it specifically
with those needs in mind. But it really does work as I imagined it would,
thanks to the help and hard work by EMDOM to make it into a reality.
Hope you find it as useful and practical as much as I do - thanks for
looking.

2/1/11
- The EMDOM
USA/MM TNT-EM (Extended Mission) Bag is a larger version of the
TNT Bag with a host of added features, and was
developed by request of a U.S. Army unit that needed an overnight
courier-type bag with the same features as the original TNT bag, only
larger and with some specific requirements. The overall size of the
bag has been increased from approximately 21” x 12” x
6” to 24” x 13” x 10” with side pockets expanded,
making it perfect for longer trips instead of just EDC. It has been
in use for about a year and a half with the original customer and
EMDOM is now offering it to the public.

Design
philosophy/background - The design of the TNT-EM follows
that of the original TNT, so please read the original TNT Bag writeup
above for more design intention details. Everything is relatively
easy to access when the bag is being worn and the bag is also stiff
enough to have some shape when loaded up, and not act like a floppy
duffle bag. The internal and external layout and organization should
fit many needs, so the bag is good to go and is ready to load up from
the start, without having to buy additional pouches or accessories
to organize your gear.

Ever since we introduced the original TNT Bag, I've
received emails asking when a smaller or larger version would come
out. The TNT size was carefully thought out to make it practical for
every day use. I felt that a smaller bag would have limited carrying
capacity and a larger bag was more of a travel bag than EDC. The number
of requests for smaller or larger versions were about equal, so that
meant (to me) that the original TNT size was just about right. New
product development takes time and effort, and there were a lot of
other projects going on at the time so we didn't pursue it.

Back in June of 2009, a U.S. Army customer who had purchased
the original TNT Bag contacted Ken at EMDOM and asked if a larger
version with some specific features would be possible. Here were some
of the requested items:

Increase size to hold a full sized 17" laptop

Increase size of main compartment to carry more than one day's change
of clothes, including shoes and shave kit

Expand the rear 'newspaper compartment' to hold the laptop so that
the laptop does not have to be removed from the main compartment at
security checkpoints

Switch the front pockets to so that the admin pocket
is on the right side of the bag

Extra set of D-rings above the side stash pockets for mounting the
shoulder strap

Given some very specific requests
(and a paying customer), Ken and I discussed it, and started working
on the upsized TNT that eventually became the TNT-EM. We
came up with some design changes, and the first prototype was made
two months later.

We tested it and sent pics of
it to the customers, who had a couple more requests to add:

Make the rear laptop compartment able to unzip completely
and open out flat with the laptop secured to the folded-out panel.
This is so that the laptop can pass through the X-ray machine without
removing the laptop (allowed at certain airports). Also add another
vertical strap so the laptop compartment can also be used as a garment
bag for a sports coat etc.

The request was incorporated
into the second prototype, shown below, compared to the original TNT
Bag for size. The TNT-EMs were shipped in November 2009 to a very
happy customer.

TNT and TNT-EM (bottom)

TNT (L), TNT-EM (R)

TNT (L), TNT-EM (R)

In October 2010, the customer contacted us again, who
had been very satisfied with the TNT-EM, living out of the bag daily
over the past 10 months. The only additional request was for us to
look into a way of carrying it 'back pack' style, as carrying it over
one shoulder can become unwieldy in the aisles of commuter planes.
This new feature has just been incorporated into the TNT-EM that EMDOM
is now offered for sale.

As its name implies –"TNT"
(Tactical/Non-Tactical), the TNT-EM Bag looks common enough to be
used as an every day travel/carry bag, yet is designed with special
features that make it suitable for tactical use. Over a year in R&D
and prototyping, the dimensions and features have been thoroughly
tested and refined to ensure that the TNT-EM works as intended. The
whole system consists of the TNT Extended Mission Bag, a new detachable
shoulder strap, two low profile detachable backpack shoulder straps,
and a detachable waist strap.

All internal edges are finished and seam taped.
You will not see any exposed edges of material that will fray. The
quality and attention to detail that EMDOM puts into their products
will match or exceed any other top of the line tactical gear manufacturer.
Compare them inside and out, and judge for yourself.

Main compartment estimated volume 1400 cu.in.
(stuffs out when loaded), protected or padded on the bottom and four
sides.

Main compartment approximate internal dimensions 17.5" x 12"
x 6".

Four folding slot pockets in main compartment
to hold 8 M4 mags, flash bangs, or other similarly sized items. Elastic
retention can be used to hold shall items like light sticks, flashlights
or shears.

Three mesh pockets with zipper closures in
main compartment

Two pleated/low profile Side Stash pockets
(170 c.i. each) with contoured opening for bottle retention, elastic
shock cord closure, internal dummy cord tabs. Sized for Nalgene bottles,
USGI canteens or five M4 mags (it can actually fit six, but it's a
tight fit). They can also be used as dump pouches.

Approx maximum overall dimensions with side
stash pockets and front pockets stuffed: 24" wide x 12"
or 13" tall x 10" deep. Not stuffing out the side stash
pockets reduces the overall length to about 18". Depending on
how 'stuffed out' it is, it will meet United Airline's carry on dimensions
of 22" x 14" x 9".

Note that my prototypes seen
here do not have any velcro on the front pockets. The production version
has velcro patches. If desired, they can be removed with a seam ripper
or X-acto (carefully).

Front quarter

Front view - G19 for scale

Side view

Rear quarter

Rear

Overall Features
and Dimensions - Externally, the TNT-EM bag body measures
approximately 17.5" long x 12" tall x 6.5" deep (not
including external pockets). It has one main compartment, padded on
both sides and the bottom with internal organization, two front pockets,
a front pistol compartment, rear padded laptop compartment, a top frequent
access compartment, and two side stash pockets.

The TNT is constructed completely of 1000D cordura
with 420D used for internal organization. ITW ghillietex metal and plastic
hardware is used throughout, as well as YKK zippers and mil-spec velcro.
EMDOM customers should already be familiar with EMDOM's bomb-proof construction,
quality of workmanship, and attention to detail.

Bottom view

Top view

Side Stash Pockets
- There are two Side Stash Pockets, one on each side of the TNT-EM body.
They are essentially the same as on the original TNT, only wider. They
are 9" tall and are of a unique pleated design which allow them
to lay somewhat flattened when not in use for a lower profile, yet expand
away from the bag body when needed. When expanded, they add about 2-3"
to each side of the bag. The Side Stash Pockets are designed for multiple
uses, like quick stowing of items - almost like a mini dump pouch. They
have an elastic shock cord closure with a sewn-in ITW cord lock for
one-handed tightening. Note that since they do not close completely,
care must be taken to ensure that no small, loose items are placed in
there when the TNT-EM is worn vertically, or the items may fall out.

When full, they do not intrude on the internal
capacity of the main compartment, which is where the pleat comes into
play. They're sized to hold a Nalgene bottle, two regular commercial
water bottles, or a USGI canteen securely. If you look at the side profile,
you'll notice that the outer edge of the pocket angles up, and is taller
than where it attaches to the bag body. This is so that it wraps over
the shoulder of the bottle, preventing it from slipping or popping out.
It will also fit five 30-round M4 mags (Pmag or TangoDown) comfortably
or six stuffed tight. It can hold five .308 FAL/M1A mags. I've illustrated
it below with five 30-round M4 mags. The shock cord loop can also be
put over the neck of a bottle for extra retention, although when cinched
up, the the bottle is very secure.

Inside the Side Stash Pockets are two additional
tab loops, for dummy cords or adding another loop of shock cord for
retention of radios (stick it over the antenna). In the center is an
additional D-ring for attaching the shoulder strap.

Side Stash pocket and internal tab loops

5 M4 mags in pocket

Top Frequent Access
Compartment (FAC) - The top Frequent Access Compartment
(FAC) is one of the most popular features of the original TNT bag, and
on the TNT-EM, has been increased in size since the bag itself is larger.
The FAC is sewn to the top panel of the TNT bag, and is a long, flat
zippered pocket with two internal dividers, creating three compartments.
On the TNT-EM, there are two 4" x 4" compartments and one
larger 4" x 6" compartment that wil hold larger smart phones
and PDAs. The zipper is concealed with
a rain flap and only the cord zipper pull shows. Note that the compartments
are not completely separated from each other - there's about an inch
where the partitions stop short of the zipper. So, small loose items
things like coins or single keys might migrate from one compartment
to the other.

Top FAC

Pistol Compartment
- The pistol compartment on the TNT-EM is taller and wider than that
of the original TNT. The pistol compartment of the TNT is at the front
of the bag, kept closed by velcro, and accessed by ripping open the
pull tab. There is no velcro at the tab, so you can get your thumb behind
it to aid in pulling it apart. It's not difficult to open, but secure
when closed as 1.5" velcro instead of 1" is used. The TNT-EM
compartment will accommodate all full-sized handguns. It's actually
large enough to hold two handgunds if two holders are used.
When designing the original TNT, we experimented with the pistol compartment
at the rear of the bag, but access wasn't as quick or as easy, with
the full weight of the bag pressing up against your body and the compartment.
A front compartment is easier to access.

It's not a completely concealed 'secret' compartment,
but it's not too obvious either. The inside back panel face is lined
completely with loop velcro, for the attachment of any velcro accessories
(other brands/maker's stuff will work, too). The TNT is supplied with
a pistol holder and two elastic mag/accessory holders. The pistol holder
is completely adjustable, and designed such that one of the velcro bases
can fold under the pistol, so that the pistol can be located closer
to one end of the compartment or the other.

The mag holder has four elastic loops. It'll
hold 1911 single stack or most other double stack pistol magazines.
Magazines with long floor plates should be loaded so that they overlap
for easier retrieval. You can also put flashlights in the loops, but
there's no real point to concealing a flashlight. The mag holder can
also be placed overlapping one of the pistol holder bases to save space.
To support the weight of a handgun and mags, the back panel is stiffened
with a sheet of HDPE. This ensures that the panel will not sag under
the weight, and also serves to provide support and shape for the entire
bag. The HDPE stiffener also supports the mesh pockets in the main compartment.

Velcro-lined pistol compartment opening

Supplied holders

G19 and 4 mags

Rear Laptop compartment
- This 17" x 12" x 2" compartment replaces the rear newspaper
compartment on the original TNT Bag. It was designed to hold a 17"
laptop by request of the original customer. The intent is to allow a
laptop to be secured to the panel, and opened out flat, so that the
laptop does not have to be removed from the bag to pass through the
X-ray machine at some airports.

The compartment will hold a standard 17"
screen laptop. I've pictured it with a large one below that measures
15.5" x 11.75" x 2" and there's still some wiggle room.
The quilted, padded panel opens out flat. Note that there is padding
on the bottom and rear panel - not on the sides and top where the zipper
is. There are two vertical straps - one on the bag side, and one on
the panel. There is adequate velcro overlap to secure flat items as
well as those with some thickness or bulk. While it's designed for a
laptop, it can also be used for paper magazines, a folded newspaper,
or any large, flat item. The straps will also keep folded clothes in
place.

Rear laptop compartment

Jacket and a magazine

Large SAPI plate for scale

Laptop on panel

Laptop secured to bag

17" laptop

Main Compartment
- The main compartment has the approximate internal dimensions of 17.5"
x 12" x 6" (seam to seam) and is 1.5" deeper than the
original TNT Bag. Since it's fabric, it can expand in width to accomodate
a wider item. The main compartment two-way zipper opens down to the
top of the Side Stash Pockets and are protected by a rain flap. The
main compartment opening is more towards the front of the bag instead
of in the middle. During experimentation, we found that when the opening
was too close to the body, it was more difficult to access the contents.
The offset zipper also makes room for the top Frequent Access Compartment.
The main compartment is protected by closed cell foam on the bottom
and sides, the padding on the rear panel, and the HDPE sheet in the
front panel. The main compartment will fit most laptops up to 17"
screens.

The increased width/depth of the main compartment on the TNT-EM really
makes quite a big difference in what you can stuff in there. The wider
opening also makes accessing the internal mesh pockets easier. Just
for illustration, I was able to cram a pair of size 9 Lowa boots in
the main compartment, even though side by side, they're wider than the
6" seam-seam dimension. I also show a metal PVS-14 case below,
which is like a tall ammo can, and measures 13" tall x 11.5"
wide x 6" deep. The case will fit in the main compartment both
standing up or on its side, even though it's taller than the 12"
internal dimension. This is because the bag is flexible and can conform
to larger items than its seam-seam dimensions.

Slot Pockets
- Sewn to the inside rear panel are the same four bellows slot pockets
made out of 420D cordura with elastic retention as found in the TNT
bag. They have not been changed, and fold flat out of the way when empty.
Each slot pocket is 6" tall and is sized to fit two M4 30-round
magazines or one .308 magazine. Whatever fits in a double M4 pouch will
fit in these pockets. They can be also used for radios, PDAs, etc. The
elastic on the outside of the slot pockets can be used to retain flashlights
etc. The advantage that these have over magazine pouches attached to
internal molle inside a bag is that besides being lighter and less bulky,
there isn't any flap to contend with. You can have the zipper partially
open, reach inside, and pull mags out with ease, just by feel.

Mesh Pockets
- On the inside of the front panel are three mesh pockets. The one on
the left is a full 12" tall, and the ones on the right are 6"
in height each. All are approximately 9" wide. The mesh is sewn
baggy so that the pockets are not flat, but have volume to hold more
items. Each has a zipper opening with short pull. When empty, the mesh
pockets lay flat and don't take up any internal volume.

PVS-14 kit case

Standing up

On its side

A pair of boots

Internal slot pockets

Internal mesh pockets

Front Organizer
Pockets - The TNT-EM has the same two front pockets
that are on the TNT, only that they're swapped from left to right, and
the ones on the TNT-EM are wider. Each
pocket is 10" tall, 9" wide, and 2" deep. Both have two-way
zippers which open 3/4 of the way down. This allows the pockets to open
outwards almost completely but not all the way and have items fall out.
The internal organizers are made of 420D nylon. Inside the front of
each pocket are two staggered slot pockets. The taller one will fit
a couple of DVD cases and the shorter one will fit CD cases. The tall
slot pocket also fits two M4 30 round mags side by side and the short
one fits two .308 magazines (since they're shorter).

Looking at the front of the bag, the 'Admin'
pocket on the right has a main slot pocket for PDA, notebooks etc, and
sewn to its front is a slot for business cards, and three oversize pen
loops. I was tired of puny pen loops that were too tight, so asked for
larger ones that would accommodate Sharpies, markers or slim flashlights
etc.

Inside the left front pocket are two staggered
slot pockets with elastic strap retention. The slots in the back are
flat, and suitable for additional business cards. The pockets in front
are pleated, and will expand to hold most cell phones for 'non-tactical'
use. For 'tactical' use, they'll also fit two double-stack pistol magazines
each.

Hidden Passport
Pockets - Underneath each of the two front pockets is
a secret/concealed 'passport pocket'. They're basically for putting
flat items like documents or maps that you don't want found if the bag
is subjected to a cursory visual search. I say 'cursory' to be on the
conservative side, but no one I have let examine the TNT bag in detail
has ever noticed those compartments. But then, they weren't looking
for something hidden. The openings to both pockets are velcro closed,
and in between the front pockets. Under normal circumstances, the entrance
is not visible. Since the hidden pockets on the TNT-EM are wider, I'm
able to fit a handgun in there, even though it's a flat pocket. Shown
below is a full-sized MP 9mm. So, even if someone discovers the pistol
compartment on the front of the TNT-EM, it's unlikely that they'd find
a handgun stashed in the hidden passport pocket.

Front pocket organizers

Admin items

Glock mags and rifle mags

Laptop peripherals

Black TNT-EM

Hidden pocket

M&P fullsize pistol in hidden pocket

Carry Options
- The TNT-EM can be carried by the low profile handles, over the shoulder,
or 'back-pack' style. The carry handles are 1.5" webbing, and are
short for the lowest profile possible. There is a padded velcro handle
wrap for connecting the carry handles together if desired. The TNT-EM
has six metal D-rings to provide multiple attach points for the shoulder
strap (see photo below).

Shoulder strap
-The TNT-EM comes with new shoulder strap that is more heavily padded
with 0.5" foam. It is lined with Drilex and comes with two metal
HK snap hooks. The TNT-EM shoulder strap also incorporates the instant
adjustment capability featured on the EMDOM
Gunslinger Sling. The front portion allows the length of the shoulder
strap to be adjusted instantly. There is a short 'Z-pull' sewn to a
plastic slider. The Z-pull is pulled down to shorten the sling and up
to lengthen it.

The HK snap hooks allow the shoulder strap to
be removed or released relatively quickly, but not so easily that someone
else can do it. We chose not to make an SR buckle on the shoulder strap
a standard feature for EDC in public because an SR buckle on the main
strap can make it very easy for someone else to release the bag and
run off with it.

The 18"-long padded portion is 2" wide
and the straps are 1" webbing with ITW ghillietex metal bar sliders.
It's more comfortable than webbing-only straps, and with the fixed pad,
there's no separate pad to slip and slide on the strap. It's also more
low profile than most padded shoulder straps. I found that there was
no reason to have 2" wide webbing for the entire strap - the 1"
webbing gets in the way less and with over 1500 lbs of breaking strength,
it's more than strong enough.

The six metal D-ring attach points, gives the
user a choice in where to attach the shoulder strap - at the rear, in
the middle or at the front, or a combination. Attaching the shoulder
strap to the rear D-rings allows the bag to sit against the body better
than if they were attached to the sides/middle of the bag. This allows
complete access to the main compartment without the compartment being
pressed against the body and compressed, but some folks will like attaching
the shoulder strap to the center so it's more 'balanced'.

A removable waist
strap is also included if the TNT-EM is to be used when riding a motorcycle
or if additional stability is needed on the move. This is 1" webbing
with a SR buckle, and attaches to the TNT-EM body with metal bar sliders
that route through 1" tab loops on the body. The waist strap stows
when not in use, and need not be removed under normal use.

Back Pack straps
-This is a new feature for the TNT-EM, which was suggested by the customer
as a means of presenting a lower profile in narrow aisleways on aircraft.
In addition to the waist strap common loop, there is an additional one
located just below it. A metal D-ring is also sewn onto the bottom of
the bag. These are attach points for the new low profile webbing back
pack straps that come with the TNT-EM. The straps are made of 2"
wide seat-belt type webbing with 1" webbing and a ladder lock sewn
at the end for adjustment. At the top end of the back pack strap is
a metal 3-bar slider, which attaches to the common loop in the same
way the waist strap attaches. The bottom of the strap connects to the
D-rings at the bottom of the bag with a plastic snap hook. The back
pack straps are easily attached in detached in seconds, and stow easily
inside the bag. Note that when switching from horizontal carry to back
pack carry, contents inside the bag can shift, so organize and pack
accordingly to accomodate both modes of carry.

Shoulder strap

Waist strap

Low profile shoulder straps

Shoulder strap attachment at top

Bottom strap attachment

Using the TNT-EM

The original TNT Bag was designed
around function first, looks second; and is intentionally non-descript.
The TNT-EM is no different, and looks like a well-made
piece of luggage. Being larger than the TNT, I feel that the EM is less
suited for EDC (depending on your needs of course), and more suited
to uses where the additional volume is needed.

Range - The larger size of the
TNT-EM enables it to carry quite a bit more gear and equipment. While
the TNT made for a great small range bag to support one handgun and
a rifle, the TNT-EM can carry two handguns in its pistol compartment,
eliminating the need for bulky pistol cases. This leaves more room inside
the bag for shooting accessories. Targets fit great in the laptop compartment.
I've used the TNT-EM prototype on trips to the range and desert, and
combined with my TNT GYM bags to hold
my rifles, I can carry most of my ammunition, magazines and other shooting
supplies. In the photo below on the left, an FN FAL para, AR15 and a
folding stock AK plus magazines, ammunition and shooting equipment are
carried discreetly in the three bags. One of the TNT GYM bags is the
extended-length version, which is why it can fit the FAL para.

Loaded up at the range

Travel/ Bug Out Bag - This is
where the TNT-EM shines; as a travel bag. Depending on how you pack,
you can carry enough for a few days; all neatly organized within the
bag's compartments and pockets. The new back pack straps really work
well, and I actually prefer them to the shoulder strap. When worn on
the back, it's possible to loosen the left strap and swing the whole
bag around to the front, where the pockets and compartments can be accessed
without removing the bag from the shoulder and setting it down; much
like the Arc'Teryx Blade 21 Pack which
has all the pocket openings on the side. As mentioned before, some thought
needs to go into packing the TNT-EM if you're going to switch carry
modes as items can shift and migrate. You obviously don't want to put
small loose items in the side stash pockets, then carry the bag vertically.
Larger items like canteens and water bottles will be securely retained
in the side stash pockets in any mode, though. I also recommend
ensuring that the zipper pulls are at the 'top' of the pockets in the
back pack carry mode (the sides when the bag is horizontal).

Worn on the back, the TNT-EM is unexpectedly comfortable and mobile
- more so than wearing it horizontally over one shoulder, I found. It's
also more stable and easier to maneuver. I also found this mode preferable
when riding my motorcycle as there was no chance of it moving around
to the front.

Shoulder strap and inner D-rings

Using center D-rings

Backpack carry mode

The original TNT Bag was designed to meet the
needs for an EDC bag with tactical features hidden inside a non-tactical
exterior. With its larger size, the TNT-EM furthers the design philosophy
behind the original TNT, while extending its capabilities with increased
capacity and carry modes.

Credit and thanks go to the original Army customer
of the TNT-EM, for providing the input and requirements upon which the
TNT-EM was designed to meet.